About
The rugged volcanic coastline of Jogasaki Coast formed 4,000 years ago. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The Jogasaki Coast (城ヶ崎海岸, Jōgasaki Kaigan) is a rugged stretch of dark volcanic coastline stretching approximately 9 kilometers along the Pacific Ocean. Formed by a massive volcanic eruption from Mount Omuro approximately 4,000 years ago, the coast features dramatic cliff formations, columnar jointing rock formations, sea caves, and some of the most spectacular coastal scenery on the Izu Peninsula. 🔗
Part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark, the coast offers well-maintained hiking trails, suspension bridges, a lighthouse with panoramic views, and educational opportunities about volcanic geology. 🔗
Cultural & Geological Significance
UNESCO Global Geopark Designation
The Jogasaki Coast is part of the Izu Peninsula UNESCO Global Geopark, which received its designation in April 2018. The Izu Peninsula is located at the northern edge of the Philippine Sea tectonic plate and at the far northern end of the Izu-Bonin volcanic arc—the only place in the world where two active volcanic arcs collide and where the various phenomena resulting from this can be observed. 🔗
Volcanic Formation History
The Jogasaki Coast was formed approximately 4,000 years ago when Mount Omuro (Omuroyama), a cinder cone volcano, experienced a massive eruption. The lava flows cascaded down the eastern coast of the Izu Peninsula, with molten rock surging into the sea, creating a jagged coastline filled with hidden coves and tide pools. 🔗
Columnar Jointing
One of the most distinctive geological features at Jogasaki Coast is columnar jointing—a fascinating geological phenomenon where cooling lava forms hexagonal columns of rock. This unique feature is created when magma cools into multi-sided prismatic columns, and is easy to see along the Jogasaki Coast where surf runs off the columns in tiny waterfalls. At Oyodo-Koyodo, you can observe columnar joints formed when the lava slowly cools and hardens, with some columns large enough to accommodate about 3 people. 🔗 🔗
Visiting Information
Operating Hours & Admission
Hours: Open 24/7 year-round 🔗
Admission: Free (no entrance fee)
Parking: ¥500 per day at Ito City Kadowaki Parking Lot (first 15 minutes free); Alternative parking at Izukyu Jogasaki Kaigan Station Parking Lot from ¥350 per day 🔗
Access & Transportation
From Tokyo:
- Take Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami Station
- Transfer to Izu Kyuko Line
- Travel to Izu Kogen Station (50 minutes from Atami)
- Take hourly bus to Izu Kaiyo Koen (10 minutes, ¥300) 🔗
Alternative Station Access:
- Jogasaki Kaigan Station: 20-30 minute walk to the coast (closer to Kadowaki Lighthouse and Suspension Bridge) 🔗
- Izu Kogen Station: Access via bus or taxi
By Car:
- Approximately 1 hour from Atami via Prefectural Route 12 and National Route 135 🔗
Tourist Passes:
- Izu Kogen Jogasaki 1-Day Pass: ¥1,250 (covers Izu Kogen area and Jogasaki Coast)
- Ito Izu Kogen 2-Day Pass: ¥1,800 (includes central Ito)
- Available at Izu Kogen Station and Ito Station 🔗
The Trail Experience
Trail Overview
The Jogasaki Coast features a well-maintained 9-kilometer (5.6-mile) hiking trail divided into two distinct sections, offering spectacular coastal views of jagged cliffs, volcanic rock formations, and the vast Pacific Ocean. The full trail typically takes 2-3 hours to complete, though visitors can walk shorter sections based on time and fitness levels. 🔗
Picnical Course (Northern Section)
Distance: 3.2 kilometers Elevation: 69m ascent / 124m descent Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours Difficulty: Easy to moderate 🔗
Route:
- Starts at Boranaya Restaurant (400-year-old restored fishing hut)
- Kadowaki Suspension Bridge (15 minutes from trailhead)
- Cape Kadowaki (lighthouse and observation deck)
- Ends at New York Lamp & Flower Museum
Key Features:
- Most popular and accessible section
- Well-marked, mostly flat terrain
- Spectacular cliff-top views
- Public restrooms and facilities available
- Restaurant and ice cream stand at trailhead 🔗
Nature Study Course (Southern Section)
Distance: 4.8 kilometers Elevation: 143m ascent / 106m descent Duration: Approximately 1.5-2 hours Difficulty: Moderate 🔗
Route:
- Starts at New York Lamp & Flower Museum
- Oyodo and Koyodo tide pools (columnar jointing visible)
- Hashigakari natural covered bridge
- Hashidate Suspension Bridge (60 meters long, 18 meters high)
- Tsushima Falls (Tajima no Taki)
- Ends at Yawatano Harbor
Key Features:
- More natural, less developed than Picnical Course
- Showcases geological formations and tide pools
- Waterfall cascading directly into ocean
- Fewer crowds, more wilderness experience 🔗
Major Attractions Along the Trail
1. Kadowaki Suspension Bridge (門脇吊橋)
The iconic Kadowaki Suspension Bridge spanning 48 meters above the rugged coastline. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
- Specifications: 48 meters long, 23 meters high
- Completed: 1968
- Capacity: 100 people
- Experience: Provides spectacular views of Sagami Bay, Pacific Ocean, and volcanic cliffs. Can be windy—secure belongings carefully. 🔗
2. Kadowaki Lighthouse (門脇埼灯台)
Kadowaki Lighthouse offers 360-degree panoramic views from its observation deck. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
- Height: 24.9 meters tall
- Observation Deck: 17 meters up
- Access: Free admission
- Views: 360-degree panoramic views of coastline, Mount Amagi, and Izu Islands (including Oshima Island on clear days)
- Facilities: Small souvenir shop, ice cream stand, convenient restrooms nearby 🔗
3. Tajima no Taki Waterfall (対島の滝)
- Located at the end of the Nature Study Course
- Unique feature: Waterfall flows directly into the Pacific Ocean
- Observation platform provides excellent photo opportunities 🔗
4. Columnar Jointing Formations
- Best viewed at Oyodo-Koyodo along Nature Study Course
- Hexagonal basalt columns formed from cooling lava
- Some columns large enough for 3 people to stand inside 🔗
Trail Facilities
Restaurants & Cafes:
- Boranaya Restaurant: Traditional Japanese seafood restaurant at northern trailhead (sashimi, seafood curry, local catches) 🔗
- Cafe Restaurant Lily: Located at New York Lamp Museum & Flower Garden
- Cafe Candy: Popular cafe along route (welcomes both humans and dogs, reservation recommended)
- Vending machines at main entry points 🔗
Other Facilities:
- Public restrooms at parking lots and key trail points
- Rest areas with benches along the trail
- Souvenir shops near lighthouse
- New York Lamp Museum & Flower Garden (southern endpoint) 🔗
Practical Visiting Tips
Best Times to Visit
Seasonal Recommendations:
- Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms, mild temperatures, comfortable hiking conditions 🔗
- Summer (June-August): Hydrangea blooms, hot and humid but coastal breeze provides relief. September-November has the most precipitation.
- Autumn (September-November): OPTIMAL SEASON - Comfortable temperatures, clear skies, stunning coastal views, beautiful autumn colors. Most pleasant weather for hiking. 🔗
- Winter (December-February): Clear views, less crowded, can be chilly—dress warmly 🔗
Time of Day:
- Morning visits offer better lighting for photography and fewer crowds
- Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends and public holidays
- Allow 2-3 hours for Picnical Course with leisure exploration
- Full 9km trail requires 3-4 hours including breaks 🔗
November-Specific Considerations
Weather:
- Temperature range: 12-16°C
- Expected precipitation: 93mm for the month
- Generally pleasant with comfortable hiking temperatures
- Clear autumn skies typically provide excellent visibility
- Autumn foliage colors enhance the already spectacular scenery 🔗
Advantages:
- Optimal hiking conditions with comfortable temperatures
- Less humid than summer months
- Clear visibility for distant island views
- Beautiful autumn colors complement volcanic landscape
- Fewer crowds than peak summer season
Safety & Precautions
Trail Safety:
- Stay on marked trails at all times
- Exercise extreme caution near cliff edges—zero safety barriers in many areas
- Easy to lose footing on rocky terrain; watch your step carefully
- Strong winds common along exposed cliff sections; secure all belongings
- Trail can be slippery or treacherous in stormy weather 🔗
Weather Precautions:
- Check weather forecast before visiting—conditions can change quickly along coast
- Bring layers for wind and temperature changes
- Some areas may be dangerous during storms
- Avoid trail during typhoon season or severe weather warnings
Equipment & Preparation:
- Wear appropriate hiking footwear (not sandals or flip-flops)
- Bring water—limited sources along trail
- Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Camera/phone secured against wind
- Small backpack recommended for supplies 🔗
Restrictions:
- Swimming and water activities prohibited due to sheer cliffs
- Not stroller-friendly—trail has tight sections and exposed tree roots
- Limited wheelchair accessibility (main bridge area only) 🔗
Photography Tips
Best Photo Spots:
- Kadowaki Suspension Bridge: Most iconic location—photograph the bridge against rocky coastal background; best shots from viewing areas on either side of bridge
- Kadowaki Lighthouse: 360-degree views from observation deck; capture lighthouse with Mount Amagi or Izu Islands backdrop
- Coastal Trail Viewpoints: Multiple designated viewpoints along 9km trail showcasing jagged cliffs and stone formations
- Tajima no Taki Waterfall: Unique waterfall-into-ocean composition at southern trail end
- Columnar Jointing: Dramatic hexagonal basalt columns at Oyodo-Koyodo 🔗
Photography Considerations:
- Clear days greatly enhance atmosphere and overall experience
- Strong winds on cliffs—secure equipment properly
- Morning light provides better illumination for coastal photography
- Avoid rainy conditions—"Jōgasaki is not great in the rain"
- On clear days, capture views of Oshima Island and Izu Islands 🔗
Fitness & Difficulty Assessment
Overall Difficulty: Moderate Suitable For:
- Beginners can walk shorter sections near lighthouse and suspension bridge
- Experienced hikers can complete full 9km route
- Families with children (kid-friendly, but supervision required near cliffs)
- Not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs (except immediate bridge area) 🔗
Physical Requirements:
- Moderate fitness level recommended for full trail
- Trail includes gradual climbs, rocks, and exposed tree roots
- Elevation gain: 212m total across both courses
- Can be broken into shorter segments for varying fitness levels
- Multiple entry/exit points allow flexible route planning 🔗
What Makes This Location Special
Unique Features:
- Walking through 4,000-year-old volcanic landscape
- Dramatic coastal cliffs formed by lava meeting ocean
- UNESCO Global Geopark geological significance
- Less touristy than many Izu Peninsula attractions
- Unique combination of volcanic geology, coastal scenery, and accessible hiking
- Part of Japan's prestigious Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park 🔗
Nearby Attractions:
- Mount Omuro (source volcano, 20 minutes by bus)
- Ito Onsen town (hot spring resort, 15-20 minutes by train)
- Izu Kogen area (museums, cafes, galleries)
- Futo Harbor (quaint fishing village) 🔗
Duration Recommendations:
- Quick visit (lighthouse & bridge only): 1 hour
- Picnical Course: 2-3 hours
- Full 9km trail: 3-4 hours
- Combined with Mount Omuro: Full day trip 🔗
For International Visitors:
- English signage at major points but limited along trail
- Bus schedules should be checked in advance
- Bring cash for parking and bus fares
- Download offline maps recommended
- Some guided tours available (¥2,000 for adults, requires advance reservation) 🔗
Crowd Management:
- Weekends and public holidays can be crowded near main attractions
- Always possible to find quiet spots for rest and contemplation
- Consider weekday visits for peaceful experience
- Southern Nature Study Course typically has fewer visitors than Picnical Course 🔗
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/izu-peninsula/jogasaki-coast.md